CHIEF UGO MOZIE

At 23, Ugo Mozie is one of the top stylists in the world; I say this because when he’s not busy hanging out in Dubai with Balmain designer, Olivier Rousteing, and vacationing with supermodels, he’s styling Justin Bieber full-time. His resume is pretty impressive for only being 23: he has styled and worked with the likes of Chris Brown, Beyoncé, Larry King and wife, Shawn King, just to name a few. No stranger to mix- ing textures and fabrics within one outfit, Ugo knows all about luxe fabrics, fur, suede, and leather, which sheds some light on Bieber’s new street luxe look.

When I reached out to Ugo and quickly received a reply back, I was shocked. After all, I wasn’t sure this world-renown stylist and designer would even see the email, but his response time surprised me even more. Lucky for me, my email caught his attention, and he agreed to allow me to interview him. I must admit that I was a little nervous at first; I mean, this is the stylist of some of the most influential celebrities in pop culture and social media stars on “Man Crush Mondays.”

CVLUX: Where are you from?

Ugo: I was born in Nigeria and reared in Los Angeles and Texas.

CVLUX: How long have you been a stylist?

Ugo: I’ve been styling for about 7 years now.

CVLUX: How did you become a celebrity stylist?

Ugo: My intentions and focus was never to be a stylist, and a celebrity stylist as that. Although I enjoyed fashion-editorials and high fashion work, I didn’t consider it until my first celebrity client reached out to me for a job and more job offers came in.

CVLUX: Didn’t you used to model? How did you make that transition from being a model to a stylist?

Ugo: I originally started out as a model/actor, which made me appreciate that side of the industry and also gave me my first insider perspective on how things are done. Although my modeling career was short, I learned a lot about the production side of fashion and also got bit by the styling bug.

CVLUX: Who are your favorite designers, and why?

Ugo: I love Thierry Mugler, Maison Martin Margiela, and Gareth Pugh. Although my favorite designer list changes periodically these three inspire me on a daily basis. And I love their aesthetics, and besides producing amazing fashion shows every season, their originality is undeniable.

CVLUX: What fashion trends DON’T you like?

Ugo: I DON’T like any fashion trends. I love to see original-
ity and personality in the streets. I understand trends are cool and sometimes you don’t even know you are following a trend. But overall I appreciate when I see people embodying their own character and personality, allowing it to show in their everyday wardrobe.

CVLUX: Do you have any favorite brands?

Ugo: Myself. I am my own favorite brand. I have so much more confidence and appreciation for my ensemble when I design and create it myself.

CVLUX: Do you have any one who you look up to or admire in the fashion industry?

Ugo: Karl Lagerfeld.

CVLUX: Do you have any fashion icons?

Ugo: Michael Jackson is the number one fashion icon! No need to add anything after.

CVLUX: What are your favorite vintage pieces?

Ugo: My mink trench coat.

CVLUX: Any style advice you follow or can give?

Ugo: I would advise everyone to do their research before embarking on anything. There are so many things in this indus- try you have no clue about. Master the business side as well as the creative side because they go hand in hand.

CVLUX: What inspired you to start a clothing line?

Ugo: Quinn Aston and I created Aston Mozie six years ago. We began by making clothes for ourselves, to be different, and we eventually ended up selling some. We showed our first collection during New York Fashion Week in February 2010. We were both really influenced by our child- hood. Growing up in the suburbs, there weren’t many options in shopping or fashion, so we had no choice but to create our own clothes.

CVLUX: How was your experience when you did Fashion Week in 2010?

Ugo: It was phenomenal. After being in New York for only six months, the line was received very well. Although I have grown so much from February 2010, that experience was life-changing for me. I realized that people were really interested in seeing what I had to offer. It was surreal.

CVLUX: If you could be an animal, what animal would you be, and why?

Ugo: I would be a white lion. I feel like I can relate a lot to them. Such a physically strong and beautiful animal. The rare white symbolizes its innocence and purity. They can kill in an instant and go after what they want.

CVLUX: If you could meet anyone (dead or alive) who would it be?

Ugo: Michael Jackson.

CVLUX: What are your favorite genres of music?

Ugo: Soft rock, Pop, R & B, and Rap.

CVLUX: What do you do for fun when you’re not working?

Ugo: Travel. I have to get out of New York / Los Angeles because there’s no way I can be here and NOT work.

CVLUX: Do you have any favorite restaurants and where they are located?
Ugo: Fogo De Chao in LA and NY, Dal- las BBQ in NY, Sofritos in New York and Papadeaux in Houston.

CVLUX: Where is your favorite place to travel to and Why?

Ugo: Nigeria- I love everything about there. It’s incredibly refreshing. The lifestyle, fashion, and the people always take my mind places it can never go if I was anywhere else.

CVLUX: What would be the perfect day for you?

Ugo: A perfect day for me would begin with taking my little brother and sisters out to a theme park early in the morning, and coming back home in time to take my mother shop- ping and watch sports with my dad.

CVLUX: What’s something that would surprise most people about you?

Ugo: I’m a very shy, non-confrontational per- son. If it comes down to it, I let people have it. But I usually have my manager do all the yelling for me on sets.

CVLUX: Any questions you wish we would have asked?

Ugo: Nope. I enjoyed the interview. Definitely a pleasure!